et&t vol. 8 february issue 2 2014

The feting began since January first, but the Carnival pace is

carded to increase exponentially in the seven days leading up to the ac-tual street parade. The final week of Carnival is an action packed one. For this period, people party incessantly through the week as they gear up to play mas. It is a true test of physical and financial stamina. More recently, we have witnessed a gradual change toward that week becoming one dedicated to concert-type events.

The landscape has evolved mostly in part to Machel Mon-tano. The living legend hosts his Alternative Concept concert every year on the Monday before Carni-val. The concert has become such a success and staple that it is now being affectionately called ‘Machel Monday.’ Such is the draw of the performer that few promoters would dare to compete on that day.

Following in Montano’s foot-steps is Kes Dieffenthaller. The local heartthrob is hosting his second concert on the Tuesday en-suring that patrons do not get too much rest after Machel Monday. Kes’ crowd is a lot more selective, however his show promises to be a great one due to his musical di-versity and his appeal to different classes. Kes will have some com-petition from all inclusive event Zante and the ever popular Eyes

Wide Shut and Fall Out fetes.The concert craziness con-

tinues on the Wednesday as Neil ‘Iwer’ George follows up his Iwer Wednesdays concert concept. The artiste posited that he plans to up the ante in 2014 and produce an even bigger concert than last year. The 2013 version of his event did not draw as big a crowd as he initially thought it would. This is partly because We Wednesdays is another big event which happens on the same day.

On Carnival Thursday things don’t intend to slow down a bit. However, parties won’t take place

in the concert format anymore. Instead, high end events Beach House and Cest La Vie will take place along with Salybia’s Strand-ed by the Pool and Tribe Ignite Thursdays.

La Barge, Phuket, and Flight Cruise Jouvert all take place on Friday February 28th, but the big-gest event that night is undoubt-edly the International Soca Mon-arch. This mega event features the biggest names in soca around the world as they battle for soca supremacy, millions in cash, cars and more!

Carnival Saturday features

Caesar’s Army’s AM Bush J’ouvert, Anya the fete, Insomnia, Trini Posse Cooler fete, Jamboree Cooler Fete, Scorch’s Under the trees. Plus, the kids take to the streets on Saturday morning.

Sunday is breakfast party terri-tory with Double UP, Sunny Side Up, Shades and more following that early morning format. Moka Sunday’s lavish all-inclusive and Brian Lara’s famed event also take place in the hours leading to jou-vert. Mania 2014 at the Trinidad Country Club rounds up the en-tertainment.

It is a lot for one week, but be-lieve it or not there are those who hit an event every day during tht week. In fact, some go to more than one fete in a day. Call it crazy, but craziness is part of Carnival.

LocaL News

NoN-Stop ActioN oN cArNivAl WeekcoNcerts gaLore iN the days before the street parade

The ET&T WEEKLY Tabloid is published by ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP Company Limited in the island of Trinidad and To-bago and is protected by strict copyright laws and is not to be reproduced in full or in part without the written consent from the management of ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP Company Limited.©Copyright Abstract Media Group Com-pany Limited 2013. All Rights Reserved.Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are expressed by the writers and do not reflect the sentiment of Abstract Media Group Company Limited.

Disclaimer: The views or opinions pre-sented in this publication are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily rep-resent those of the company. Employees of ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP COMPANY LIMITED are expressly required not to make defamatory statements and not to infringe or authorize any infringement of copyright or any other legal right. Any such article is contrary to company policy and is outside the scope of the employment of the individual writer con-cerned. The company will not accept any liability in respect of such article, and the employee responsible will be per-sonally liable for any damages or other liability arising.

1www.etntweekly.com • FEBRUARY, 2014 • ET&T

Amnesia returned with a bang! Island People made

a claim that they are ready to rule the Carnival scene and no doubt bring the most vibes for this CK14. For many, three years of Amnesia’s impromptu vacation seemed a little too much to han-dle, a tabanca of sorts! With its re-turn at Pier one people found out what they were missing.

If we are to believe Island Peo-ple reps, the return of this former fete staple was some time in the making. Due to the short season last year, it was unable to be rein-troduced. The results of the fete will show that they made no mis-take in bringing it back now.

According to Mr. Colin Greaves, General Manager of Island People Mas, IP wanted to re-ignite Happiness with friends, family and co-workers. He stated that many people yearned and craved for the re-introduction of the fete. “It’s a premium grade event with a selective crowd who want good value for money at a balanced event,

with happy price, comfort food, nice ambience, great music by DJs and en-tertainment by artistes such as Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin & Faye Ann Lyons & the Asylum Vikings.”

He wasn’t lying about the nice

price either. The event was one of the cheaper all-inclusives with tick-ets around the $500 range. After this explosion of vibes at Amne-sia, it begs us to wonder why other fetes are so exorbitantly priced.

Patrons enjoyed a variety of fine food fare. There were Chi-nese, Indian and Creole Stations, as well as a Pizza Zone. A fully stocked Cocktail & Premium bar was also available. For people who craved sugar or pepper after their alcoholic beverage the Lo-cal/Sweet Cuisine and Geera Bar awaited them.

Plus, there was also the intro-duction of a ‘Happy Zone’ where attendees were encouraged to bring out their inner child. Pa-trons indulged in cotton candy, pop-corn and chocolate. No need to remember your adult after all its Amnesia!

This was one of the highlights at the event and kudos must be given to Island People for their continued innovation.

Even before the fete Mr. Greaves stated that Amnesia would be one of the most happen-ing fetes of the season because of the look, feel and awesome ambi-ence it’s known to create. If we are to have our say… we agree.

One aspect of Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival celebra-

tions is the International Soca Monarch Competition held on Fantastic Friday. The Internation-al Soca Monarch has been in exist-ence for the past 21 years and has experienced tremendous growth. It now includes artistes from the various Caribbean islands as well as the winners of each island’s Soca Monarch competition. Wil-liam Munro, Chairman of Carib-bean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts spoke candidly about public perceptions of prof-it. He noted, “The public only sees the final show and does not truly understand what goes into making the show happen every year”. Although he still holds the show in great esteem, over the years the task has become a bit daunting with support from key

stakeholders wavering at times.As a result, he has decided

to take a step back and allow the show to evolve under new man-agement. This year’s launch took place on November 28th, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency. There the news broke that he would in fact be appointing new management and with it would follow several

changes to the event. The Inter-national Soca Monarch 2014 will have the support of the follow-ing main sponsors: Flavorite Ice – Cream, Blue Waters, Digicel Trinidad & Tobago and NLCB. The introduction of a new cat-egory in the competition known as the Breakthrough Artist of the Year is sponsored by Blue Waters

while Digicel is set to give away FIVE CARS for the ISM2014 season.

In keeping with the rhythm of change, Caribbean Prestige Foun-dation for the Performing Arts’ new Operations Manager is Mr. Harande Elie. Mr. Peter Scoon, new Chairman for the Interna-tional Soca Monarch stated that he is on a mission to transform the show, not only for patrons but artistes as well. Details they were willing to divulge were: the largest stage in the history of T&T with the best sound system, full facilities, full chaperones, full accommodation areas for artistes and new technology for admis-sions. Despite these new changes, Mr. Munro contends that ISM still remains the industry mecca and will always belong to us as a beacon of our culture.

LocaL News

happy is bacK with a baNg

big iMproVeMeNts toiNterNAtioNAl SocA MoNArcH

2 ET&T • FEBRUARY, 2014 • www.etntweekly.com

big iMproVeMeNts toiNterNAtioNAl SocA MoNArcH

Charismatic, young entertainer Ricardo Drue is much more

than his pretty boy swag would sug-gest. He can actually move a crowd. It’s no wonder he became one of the frontline vocalists for legend-ary band Roy Cape All-stars this year. Buoyed by his 2014 releases Socaholic and Tun Tun, Drue is getting his chance to shine along-side Blaxx in what is admittedly his busiest Carnival season ever.

“The season is shaping up really well. We have about 46-50 gigs for the season so it’s a great season for me,” says Drue. He adds that he could not be happier to be a part of the Roy Cape Family, which has be-come known as an institution of learning for several upcoming acts over the years. He looks forward to developing his craft as much as pos-sible once the opportunity remains for him. “I want to stay with the band as long as possible and just learn as much as I can. Once you can hold your own with Roy Cape, you are set.”

Apart from performing with the iconic band, Drue will be com-peting at the Soca Monarch com-

petition. He is not getting ahead of himself despite the success of his groovy soca smash Socaholic. He

simply states that he will put his best foot forward and let God do his work.

No doubt the prospects of winning the Soca Monarch may seem daunting for up and coming soca stars. However, it should be known that Ricardo Drue is no newcomer to entertainment, hav-ing developed a strong fan base overseas. Drue acknowledged this by saying “My fan base across the islands and abroad is way bigger than in T&T so I’m just focusing on building that here with Roy Cape and putting in the necessary work.”

Drue counts all of the events taking place in 2014 as a blessing for him especially since he took two years away from the limelight to focus on his family. He is more than happy to be embraced so wholeheartedly on his return.

Finally, the artiste encourages fans to continue showing him love via Instagram, Twitter and Face-book by following Its Drue.

ricardo drue reLishiNg Hectic SeaSon

LocaL News

The 2014 edition of this pre-mium all-inclusive affair

takes place on Tuesday 25th February and will transform the venue SAILS (which is located in Power Boats Marina, Chaguara-mas) into a chic, intimate, pulsat-ing party atmosphere. This year’s event is geared to be the ultimate Carnival Week jump starter for several members of the feting elite, both local and foreign-based alike.

Zanté is produced annu-ally by promoters, Sharon ‘Pixi’ Thomson, Steven Joseph, and The Zanté Alliance. Regarding the event and its 2014 theme ‘STRUT’, Pixi shared, “Zanté is all about attitude! We all have our own inimitable style, so we encourage our patrons to bring their unique styles to our events and we provide the rest. We combine delectable cuisine,

premium beverage options and exceptional service with a stun-ning venue and what we get is a spectacular feel good event each and every time”.

The event has in the last few years become a mainstay on the annual carnival calendar and has gained a loyal following of patrons from T&T, the Caribbe-

an region, the US, Canada and Europe. Most notably, the fete’s proceeds go to the Kidney Re-cipient Support Group of T&T.

Pixi added, “Zanté support-ers love that each year we have a different theme with a new location and the goal of raising funds to assist various causes and charities. Each year we deliver a

unique, exciting experience with one recurring theme, value for money.

The Zanté Alliance is always thinking outside the box for our events. We do what we do from the heart and are motivated by the joy of doing it for our cli-entele who is always looking for something unexpected and ex-traordinary”.

The $550 ‘STRUT’ all-inclu-sive experience will feature delec-table cross-culture cuisine, top shelf drink selections (includ-ing specialty cocktails), surprise guest performances and music from top local DJs Private Ryan, Nuphoric and Kaotic.

Experience the ambiance, entertainment and amenities as Zanté presents ‘STRUT’ on Tuesday 25th February at SAILS, Power Boats Marina, Chaguara-mas from 9PM – 3AM.

Zanté Promises Premium t&t Carnival exPerienCe With “strut”After 5 YeArs Of UnfOrgettAble All-InclUsIve events, the t&t cArnIvAl Week stAple knOWn As ZAnté retUrns tO AppeAse the needs Of the premIUm pArtYIng pUblIc WIth Its 2014 theme “strUt”

Even Santana the puppet has had a premium All

Inclusive Zanté experience

The versatile DJ Private Ryan will headline a cast of DJs at 'Zanté presents STRUT' which include DJs

Nuphoric and Kaotic


“The musical apartheid be-tween soca and calypso

is over,” declared The Last Bad-john, Kurt Allen, as he put the final preparation to his perfor-mance for the International Soca Monarch semi-final which took place on Sunday 9th February.

As a former calypso and soca monarch, the Last Badjohn knows both sides of the creative coin. His first crowning was at Soca Monarch in 1999 when he performed “Dus Dem.” He wore the calypso crown in 2010 for the much appreciated composition “Too Bright.”

On Sunday at the Arima Velodrome, he presented both sides of his talent. His social com-mentary “S.S.S – Sweet Sizzling

Summer” made it to the groovy soca portion of the competition. He performed at number nine.

While his soca hit “Mountain” was performed in the power category. That song was sung at

number 23. Now he is anxiously awaiting the results along with the lengthy list of participants.

One thing is for sure, the Bad-john has completed one objective for the 2014 Carnival season.

“Our objective is to bridge the gap between calypso and soca music effectively - thereby ending the musi-cal apartheid that exists between the two. Soca and calypso came from the same creativity, so to this end we are on the right track,” he said. “This is the first time in the history of the International Soca Monarch competition that a Social/Political Commentary calypso is included in the semi-final line up. This allows our team to be highly motivated with a sense of knowing that we are on the correct path.”

Kurt Allen

the lAst bAdjOhn declAres mUsIcAl peAce At Ism semIs

One of the most anticipated as-pects of Trinidad and Tobago

Carnival is the Road March race. Revelers, artistes and plain ole mu-sic lovers alike always look forward to that one big song or couple of songs that will take masqueraders across stages nationwide. In recent times, the winning Road March se-lections have consistently been up-tempo ‘power soca’ tunes.

This year, there has been a rela-tive dearth of quality high-adren-aline soca music as many artistes have opted to release groovy soca and pop-infused tracks that cater more to the international market. In fact, many of the releases are bordering on pop and trance with slightly any elements of soca in them altogether.

Entertainment publicist and founder of Entertainment Macco Adanna Asson contributed her rea-sons for the dearth of strong power soca content. “I feel like groovy soca brings out more creativity in the ar-tistes. They are able to do more with the music and there is more longevity. It is a tad more difficult to create unique elements in power soca,” she said.

Asson also added “Since we are looking for more international appeal many artistes are moving away from the faster paced songs.”

No doubt this has had an ef-

fect on the Road March race as many registered masqueraders are positing that they have not heard enough road worthy tracks. Soca megastar Machel Montano may beg to differ, having released his Precision produced MoR (Minis-try of Road) in January. However, many still say that song is far from the ideal power soca selection to win a Road March and hopes are still high that he will release a few more options.

Destra Garcia’s Dutty D Road was recently released and much of the social media world has panned it. YouTube comments have largely been negative for the song which was co-written by Kernal Roberts. Devon Matthews followed up his 2013 success with several strong

releases, one of which is the fast paced Level It. While the song is solid, many would argue it is more suitable for leveling fetes than the road.

Nadia Batson’s RAW has re-ceived moderate radio play and in fairness, the singer was never known as being a true Road March contender. With that being said, former multiple Road March win-ner Shurwayne Winchester has not produced a Road March con-tender for some time and this year we have not heard any prominent up-tempo releases from the Tobago born bard.

The music coming from re-gional artistes such as Mr. Killa and Skinny Fabulous have the pace and popularity for the road, but for-eigners are exempt from winning the local competition. In any event, while Mr. Killa’s Rolly Polly is in-deed a hit, the subject matter pre-vents it from being the ideal road song for revelers across the board.

Bunji Garlin’s newfound level of popularity could very well pro-pel him to winning a first Road March, but it will all depend on him releasing a song that is suited for masqueraders. He has never been known as much of a Road March threat and he usually relies on the strength of his performanc-

es and lyricism. Neither of these factors has much bearing on the outcome of Carnival Monday and Tuesday on the road.

The self-professed Viking may not be a Road March staple, but his wife FayAnn Lyons-Alvarez has won the competition thrice before and even she has not released any road-worthy material this year. In fact, she has been relatively quiet this year with crossover tunes Catch Me and Gimme Dat getting minor buzz. Her Done D Party song has received major airplay, but it was released very early in the season and realistically won’t be considered a contender come March.

Perennial hit-maker Iwer George has two Power Soca releas-es this year. Both tunes have been getting steady radio play, but the effect the songs will have on mas-queraders is left to be seen.

With the direction the music seems to be taking, one has to wonder if 2014 could be the year masqueraders cross the stage to a groovy soca song. The last time a truly slow/mid-tempo song won the road march was in the 80’s.

The race is undoubtedly slow now, but we will keep our eyes peeled for all the new road march developments.

Road MaRcH Race proceediNg at sNaiL’s pace

LocaL News

Adanna Asson


ZIggy MARlEy WINS REggAE gRAMMyZiggy Marley won his second solo Best Reggae Album Grammy Sunday for his live In Concert set.

The 14-track album, recorded on Marley's 2012 world tour, got the nod over Sly and Robbie and the Jam Masters’ Reggae Connec-tion; Sizzla’s The Messiah; One Love, One Life by Beres Ham-

mond and Snoop Lion’s Reincar-nated.

Marley's first solo Grammy came in 2007 for Love is my Re-ligion. Three years later, he won a Grammy for Best Musical Album for Children with Family Time.

The eldest of reggae legend Bob Marley's sons, 45-year-old Marley also won three Best Reggae Album Grammys with the Melody Makers, a group that included his brother Stephen and sisters Sha-ron and Cedella.

In Concert contains songs from his work with the Melody Makers including Justice and Tomorrow's People; and True to Myself, taken from his first solo album, Dragonfly.

DINg DONg A yOUTh VIEW AWARDEEMulti-faceted entertainer Ding Dong known for his swag and style won the 2014 Youth View

Award for best collaboration of the year for his hit song "It's A Celebration" produced by BasSick Records and featuring I Octane, Christopher Martin and Konshens. "I'm excited, honored

and feeling blessed because I worked very hard on this track. I want to thank all my fans that voted and support me all over the years I really appreciate you. Love to all my fans" stated a humbled and jubilant Ding Dong.

The award has also attracted various international stars, and on this night, Ding Dong had the pleasure of meeting the beautiful triple threat actress, singer and dancer Zendaya Coleman and teaching her his latest "Syvah" dance moves! Known for her nu-merous roles such as on Disney's "Shake It Up", billboard charting singles and recent appearances on "Dancing with the Stars", Zendaya was a specially invited guest of the event organizer and founder or-ganizer Karen Clarke.

No rest for the weary as Ding Dong is back in studio with bill-board producer Ricky Blaze as well as slated performances throughout the United states and overseas.

DMX & gEORgE ZIMMERMAN BOXINg MATCh CONfIRMEDBoxing promoter Damon Feldman confirmed that DMX, 43, is scheduled to fight against George Zimmerman, 30, in a boxing match, according to TMZ.

The official date, time and loca-tion of the boxing match are set to be announced Wednesday, Febru-ary 12. The boxing match is slated to last three rounds.

DMX was not the only rapper to volunteer to enter the boxing match. Game also said he was will-ing to box against George Zimmer-man.

"I will beat the [expletive] out of him," Game said recently, ac-cording to TMZ. "I would not be boxing for me. I'd be boxing for the legacy of Trayvon Martin and for his family...I would box him to knock him out. I would definitely take pleasure in it. It's legal, and I want to show him you can solve

your disputes without a weapon."In July 2013, George Zim-

merman was found not guilty of second degree murder and man-slaughter. He was accused of mur-dering Trayvon Martin in 2012. Martin was 17.

KE$hA POSTPONES TOUR DATES TO CONTINUE TREATMENT fOR EATINg DISORDERKe$ha kicked off 2014 by checking herself into rehab to treat her eating disorder. Now, the eccentric singer announces that she will postpone her U.S. tour dates scheduled for March and April to continue treatment.

"I was so looking forward to per-forming at these dates but I need to follow my doctor's advice and get my health back on track," the singer said in a statement released on Tuesday, February 4. "All of your support during this time has

been so amazing. I couldn't have done this without you all. I look forward to coming back stronger than ever on the next tour."

Ke$ha was supposed to per-form in Hammond, Indiana on March 15 and Green Bay, Wiscon-sin on April 13. She will announce the new dates for the two shows later.

ClAy AIKEN TO RUN fOR CONgRESSClay Aiken has made the rumor into a reality: He is running for Congress in North Carolina.

The former American Idol champion has released a lengthy video to promote his campaign, citing his success in music and his work with UNICEF as reasons why he should earn your vote.

“I’m not a politician. I don’t ever want to be one,” says Aiken,

slamming incumbents for their military cuts and last year's govern-ment shutdown.

“This is what’s wrong with Washington," Aiken explains. "That a Congresswoman would go there and vote against the best in-terests on North Carolina military families, and those that depend on the military for their job.”

worLdNews

regIOnAl neWs


NAME: Damion RichardsAgE: 29hEIghT: 6’2WEIghT: 194 lbsCAREER: Hotel ManagerBRIEfS OR BOXERS: Boxer Briefs.fAVOURITE SCENT: Issey Mi-yake Cologne.fAVOURITE ThINg: My Laptop and Phone.DESCRIBE yOUR DREAM gIRl: My dream girl is goal ori-ented, self driven, loyal, health and fitness conscious, educated, long legs, fun loving and has a good enough sense of humor to be able to share in my laughteryOU WERE hEARTBROKEN: I have had failed relationships, but I do not dwell on the negative feelings of a break up, I just try to distract my-self by injecting positivity and doing things that make me happy.yOUR hERO: My mother, she is the strongest person I know and she is the reason I am where I am today.fAVOURITE fOOD: I love Sea-food. To be specific; Lobster and Shrimp.ThE WAy TO yOUR hEART

IS: Through kindness.yOU’D NEVER DO: There are a lot of things that I will never do. But being with a guy is at the top of the list.WhAT ABOUT PETS: Not really a big fan of pets, but if I had to have one it would be a dog… a big breed like a Rottweiler.ThE ONE ThINg hE WANTS TO DO BEfORE hE DIES: I would like to go to Venice before I die.fAVOURITE ARTIST: Eminem and Aidonia… They are two very ver-satile artistes from two different gen-res of music. They possess the only mixtapes or albums that I can listen without skipping a single song.fAVOURITE MUSIC: Dancehall.fAVOURITE PlACE fOR A MEAl: Honestly, home in front the TV with the girl friend. Other than that, I like Zanzibar by the sea.hAVE yOU EVER ChEATED: Well in High School I used to have more than one girlfriend, but those weren’t serious relationships. I guess that still counts as a yes right?ThE fREAKIEST ThINg yOU hAVE EVER DONE: Umm… that’s kinda TOOO personal.WhERE’S yOUR WEAK SPOT: My weak spot is a secret.WhAT'S yOUR MOTIVA-TION: I am a “mama’s boy.” My main motivation is not to disappoint her and to make her proud.hOW DO yOU MAINTAIN yOUR BODy: I go hard in the gym; at least 5 days a week. I won’t lie though; it’s mostly genetics because I am not a healthy eater.

dreaM guy

10

Name: Karlene GarciaAge: 23hometown: Trinidad

Karlene Garcia is the epitome of Trini beauty. She is made up of that unique cosmopolitan blend which seems so exotic to the world at large, so it is no surprise she is being noticed locally. An office assistant by day, Garcia also finds time to hone her skills and passion for makeup artistry, fashion and interior design.

The lovely lass is an artist at heart, but she is versatile enough to pursue a degree in Business

Management. This will no doubt help her parlay her creations into financial success. Getting her degree is just a short-term objective for this goal-oriented individual. In the long term she plans to earn international rec-ognition for her talents while be-ing a successful business owner as well as the best possible wife and mother.

Besides that, Garcia finds time to enjoy her hobbies of Lat-

in dancing, social networking, watching movies and listening to music. The one hobby she finds most fulfilling is modeling. She often models her own makeup designs for her popular Ambro-sia Cosmetics page and has also done work with rising photog-raphy star J Hamilton among others. Keep your eyes peeled for this attractive woman as she continues to take the beauty and fashion world by storm.

KaRlene GaRcia

modelmania


Arielle MosesFACEColorstay Liquid Foundation Oily/Combination - Golden/CaramelRevlon Powder Blush - Mauvelous

EYES Colorstay 16 hr Eye Shadow - DecadentColorstay Eyeliner - BlackRevlon Brow Fantasy - Brunette

LIPS Colorstay Lipliner - SiennasSuperLustrous Lipgloss - Pink Pop

Avionne MarkFACERevlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation Oily/Combination - CappuccinoRevlon Powder Blush - Playful Plum

EYESColorstay 16 hr Eye Shadow - SeductivePhotoready Kajal Eyeliner - PurpleRevlon Brow Fantasy - Dark Brown

LIPS Colorstay Lip Liner - PlumSuperLustrous Lipstick - Plum Velour

Catherine MillerFACEColorstay Liquid Foundation Oily/Comb - Natural TanRevlon Powder Blush - Classy Coral

EYES Colorstay 16 hr Eye Shadow - InspiredColorstay 24 hr Gel Eyeliner - BlackRevlon Brow Fantasy - Brunette

LIPS Colorstay Lipliner - NudeSuperLustrous Lipgloss - Pango Peach

Three renowned local beauties combined for a mind-blowing carnival themed shoot to show off the hottest cosmetic couture on the market. The esteemed Calvin French captured Face of T&T winner Arielle Moses, Former Miss T&T Universe contestant Avionne Mark, and current Miss T&T Universe

Catherine Miller in action as they donned colourful costumes with the perfect makeup finish to match. Here’s how they achieved their look.Models: Arielle Moses, Avionne Mark and Catherine Miller.

ROAD READY LOOKSbeauty

fete fashion sure has evolved over the years. T-shirts and

three quarter jeans used to run the gamut of fashion at fetes long ago. Now, people are spending big money on Carnival clothing. Men are all about that debonair finish

and the ladies try to look as lus-cious as possible.

Ultra all-inclusive events have taken over and everyone seems ea-ger to look the part. It is common to see women going the extra mile, from wear to nails and hair, but

now the guys are getting into the act as well.

ET&T took the opportunity to show you what’s hot in the world of the ultra-inclusive fete with the help of young Soca Star Kenneth ‘K. Rich’ Richards. Here, he mod-

els some extra premium carnival couture.

Styling and Makeup: P Noire Vou Ltd.Model: K. RichPhotography: Zacques Morrison

It doesn’t matter which flag you are flying once you are having fun and you look good doing it. After all, it’s all inclusive couture.

Ultimately simple, but extremely powerful is this sleek outfit. Plus, he’s killing em with the shoes and accessories.

k rIch spOrts All-InclUsIve cOUtUre fashioN


fashioN

This look says “My limo is waiting out front.” Be your own celebrity with these all inclusive digs.

This outfit is perfect for those lavish events where the food and drinks steal the show.


Extremely talented entertain-ment veteran Denise ‘Saucy

Wow’ Belfon has been one of Trin-idad and Tobago’s most consistent musical forces for years (but you already knew that). What you may not know, is that this performer is also an entrepreneur who is also very articulate. We caught up with the Queen of ‘Kakalaylay’ for an enlightening chitchat.

ET&T: Tell us about the evolution of the A-Team band.Saucy: Performing with the band is something I have been doing for years. However, promoters usually have problems paying for the whole package so they try to pay me to perform solo. But the band has been around for some time. It’s only when we did the re-launch on the 8th of December 2013 that people started to notice. It’s not just the band; there are also my Saucy Empire Dancers. The Saucy Empire consists of a Catering Service (Saucy’s Catering Services), a construction company (Bonita Construction Company Limited) and Bella Victoria which is a charitable foundation.

ET&T: you have your hands in a lot of stuff. Where do you see yourself in five years?Saucy: As a liaison or someone who is instrumental in helping youths who are interested in this field to get properly immersed into the field. I would assist them in everything from marketing to how to eat and present themselves at meetings. It is a holistic approach to developing all aspects of the individual to give them a better chance at success.

ET&T: Does that mean you’ll be done with music?Saucy: I’m not going to stop singing until I’m 105 years old. I will still be singing and performing.

ET&T: Which is your favourite fete to perform in?Saucy: Soca Monarch, Ladies Night Out and Battle of the Sexes. I can’t miss those. I especially like Ladies Night Out because I get a full 30-45 minutes to go into a deep set. I usually come on really late in the show and patrons wait until I come. When I’m done they start to leave (laughs).

ET&T: What is your favourite country to visit?Saucy: You’re trying to get me in trouble. That is tough to say, but I’d have to go with my other home St. Lucia. My Grandparents are from there. I also love Barbados, Guyana, and St. Kitts & Nevis. Suriname is also special to me because I grew up there.

ET&T: Trinidad is suffering a dark period. What message do you have with regard to crime?Saucy: Most of these problems start from home. Mom, dad and the kids are close to the same age so it’s hard for one to lead the other.

No one takes the time to teach kids to pray and fear God. That is really important because even I get close to blowing up or getting angry to the point of committing crimes, but with my background I just tend to cry it out or ask God forgiveness for my thoughts. I was raised by my grandmother in a staunch Catholic home. I came from poor beginnings, but I chose to make a difference and I never gave up. That is how I am Denise Belfon today.

ET&T: how did you learn your craft? Who influenced you?Saucy: My mom was lead vocalist of the Point Cumana Best Village group. My aunt Caroline was the lead dancer of the same group. My other aunt Jennifer introduced me to all the Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff songs. Plus, my grandmothers danced for their respective National Dance Troupes in St. Lucia and Grenada. These people were all really influential.

ET&T: Will you be

releasing new material after carnival?Saucy: I always record music for outside the carnival season. It’s just the DJ’s don’t play it. They always gravitate to the Jamaicans and the American music. I have about six songs already recorded and I am still working on a couple others to release when the season is over.

ET&T: What else do you want the public to know?Saucy: I would really love corporate T&T to invest in a restaurant with a difference. When you’re finished work you can come in after 4pm and still get a good creole meal. Apart from that, my dream and my plan is to create a community for people whose families have turned their back on them… specifically the elderly and children to have homes. I would like to build homes at low or no cost for the elderly and create an outlet for the kids where they can feel loved and safe. It all depends on investments from the government, or just people who care to make a difference.

denIse belfOnet&thotseat


The Island People faithful were out in their numbers for the all-inclusive extravaganza Amnesia held at Pier 1. Dubbed the ‘Return of happy,’ the event featured headlining act Machel

Montano (the self-professed happiest Man Alive), Swappi and more! As with any Island People par-ty; females came out in their numbers. With eye candy, great food and drink and a happy Zone fea-turing fun and games, the event was one to remember. ET&T was there for the action.

AmnesIA: the retUrn Of hAppY events

happy people

What a specimen

feeling like a kid again

It’s Swappi

Wicked in white

Cute outfits girls Wearing happy colours

girlies having fun

give dem Patrice…give dem

Jumbie demRrrr… NoiceWoW!


After Machel Montano chose to film his Fog video at this event last year, the buzz for this cooler fete rose exponentially. Tickets were sold out

early and scalpers caught people gaping at over a grand a pop. Bear in mind, this was a cooler fete and not an all-inclusive. With all the hype, you just

know this fete had to be epic. Indeed it was epic as the jouvert and water party vibe ruled the night into morning. great performances by soca’s elite also took this event to the next plateau.

events soaka

Cutefamalay!!Well protected he partied hard Can’t go wrong with black and white

yes lord!

Cool swag

The promoter must be smiling

he gT

Nothing beats friends

Dat is woman!

Sizzling while seated

Daring do’s


Tobago love was the all-inclusive event to re-member for the good people of the sister isle.

The party took place at Bishop’s high School To-bago and featured top notch entertainment such

as performances by The Vikings, farmer Nappy, Onyan of Burning flames and Tobagoni-ans, fya Empress, Princess Adana and Shurwayne Winchester. The event was hosted by

Winchester’s SW limited and it was well put together. great cuisine was available throughout from curry to suckling pig. ET&T could not miss out on the action. here are some photos.

tObAgO lOveevents

Two of the many beautiful people

MC Mark Anthony

Colour coordinated

hA Chief Secretary Orville london was present

A colourfully clad couple

So many choices

The legendary Nelo

Enjoying the atmosphere

Trying to look cool

Bunji was in form

Dressed for the occasion


2014 is as good a time as any to reinvent yourself. That is what the promoters of the Pier 1 cooler event Nu Me was hoping for and pa-

trons did not disappoint as they brought their A-games for dress code and looseness with them. The event was a winner outright having a

great turnout and vibes by the barrel. ET&T was there and we have a whole heap of pho-tos on our facebook page. If that’s not enough, peep our new website www.amgtt.com.

nu me events

Cute couple

All smiles

Doing her thing solo

What yuh pointing at?

Mr. Renzo sizes up the crowd

Two cuties

Jahmoun got a chanceto shine

fayAnn and Custodianprovide a paparazzi moment

Posing like shemeans it

Keeping friends close

Jaiga and Shal DyT

hello ladies…

look at people fawn… fawn… fawn


Name: Jelani ShawSoubriquet: PopsAge: 22Instruments Played: Drums, all percussions and some keys.favourite genre: Soca be-cause it comes naturally to me.Strengths: Definitely drums and people usually com-pliment my ear for melody.Programs/Tools used: Logic Pro.Mentors: Kernal Roberts. He is one of the first people who taught me to focus on music theory and song struc-ture. I also like Pharrell Wil-liams because he does not do drugs and he takes his art to so many different places and levels. Also, my father Theron Shaw was a jazz guitarist who played for the late Andre Tank-

er. Barbara Crichlow Shaw. First woman in pan trinbago. 27 years broadcast.Catalogue: This is actu-ally my first solo year. Before I worked in team or collabo-rative settings as a producer and writer. Last year I did the drums on the Intercol Rid-dim with Advokit and Preci-sion Productions. I worked on Wake It Up by Terri Lyons. I worked on songs for Sekon Sta, K. Rich and more.Recent highlights: I wrote and co-produced three songs for Machel Montano this year. I wrote Ministry of Road, Drop It Down on the Sando Riddim and Ritual on the Sundance Riddim. I basi-cally got contracted to work with Machel this year so I’m doing a lot of work with him. Also, I am still a member of

the Advokit team so pretty much everything they worked on this year I have had some influence in.What Next? I am currently awaiting my degree in Theatre Arts at UWI. I plan on at-tending a university in Miami to further my music because while we have the courses in Trinidad we really don’t have the facilities. I am also Ex-ecutive Producing an R&B album for a guy called Nathan Marcelin with Martin ‘Mice’ Raymond and Ravi Maharaj. Finally, I am working on devel-oping my company PAGE (Pop Art Gallery Entertainment) and continuing to push the Ministry of Road Movement. It’s much bigger than just the lyrics in the song.hit him Up: www.facebook/pop.art.shaw.

producer profiLe Jelani SHaw

We ketch yuh getting lost in the moment. No-body can say you didn’t have a time

We ketch yuh photo-bombing these beauti-ful girl’s pic. Carnival is full of characters


paparazzi

SHuRwayne wincHeSteR, PatRice RobeRtS and tHe baRon PoSe

foR a HiGH-PoweRed celebRity PHoto at tobaGo love

elizabetH ‘lady’ Montano Seen SinGinG alonG bacKStaGe aS HeR Son PeRfoRMS at a Recent event

a MacKaMillion SiGHtinG at a Recent event

iSland celebRitieS

This guy was caught acting suspiciously and upon further inspection we found the blue rag wrapped like a choker around his neck. That’s not a scarf buddy. Besides, the shades in the night were bad enough. 2 months hard labour.

Wild Meat? It looks like the lady on the left killed a cheetah, a Scarlet Ibis and a couple other endangered species, made a pelau and wore it instead of eating it. Two months for animal cruelty and a year for her fashion crime.

SeriouSly?Carnival tends to make

people lose their inhi-bitions and it seems their reasoning as well. Wining low in drains and peeing behind (and not inside) portable toilets are com-mon fare around this time of year. So to say that the fashion police have their work cut out at Carnival is no understatement. Here are two examples of what we have to deal with.


Name: Kimberly Michelle PateAge: 31 (March 4, 1982)Profession: Singer, songwriter, record producer, pianist, guitarist, rapperClaim to fame: Anyone who’s had the pleasure of knowing sing-er, business woman, songwriter pianist, reality television star and Memphis native, K. Michelle since her childhood is aware that she was destined to be the woman she is today. Gymnastics, swimming and piano lessons kept her in-quisitive spirit busy until age nine, when the time arrived for her to

begin vocal lessons with renowned children’s vocal coach Bob West-brook (Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears etc). A lifelong affinity for country music (The Judds are a personal favorite), led to Michelle earning a scholarship to Florida A&M for yodeling.

With Michelle’s second and final season of L&HHA’s begin-ning in 2013, it couldn’t be a more fitting time for the release of her debut album, Rebellious Soul. For the millions of fans who have watched the no-nonsense cutie fight for what she feels is right on

television every week, her album title is most apropos. “I’m a rebel, a firecracker,” she tells. “I do what I want to do. My music is like that as well. I rebel against anything that society tries to use to keep us boxed in–racism, judgment, any-thing that makes you feel inferior as a woman.” The result is what she describes as an “old-school” but “aggressive and urgent” music feel. Expect the guest list of vocal-ists to include Elle Varner and Mi-chelle’s mentor R. Kelly, who will

also embrace some maestro duties.After years of professional and

personal lows but mostly highs, it’s time for the once diamond in the rough to be recognized for the true gem that she is. The stars are aligning for Tennessee’s daughter, and she couldn’t be more pleased. “I’m really at a point in my life where I wanna work on myself and just be happy,” she says. “I don’t want any drama. I just want to cre-ate that music that makes you feel so so good.”

celeb PRofile

While some of us are still hitting the movie

theatres hard, the majority of our twin island republic is fo-cused on the fiesta known as Carnival. However, Carnival is less than a month from be-ing over and soon it will be back to alternate means of entertainment. There will be a bunch of different movie genres, but we have a sense that March and April will be a big period for animation flicks. Check out these two.

Rio 2It's a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in RIO 2, after they're hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-

beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all - his father-in-law.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman Using his most ingenious invention, the WABAC

machine, Mr. Peabody and his adopted boy Sherman go back in time to experience world-changing events first-hand and interact with some of the greatest characters of all time. They find themselves in a race to repair history and save the future.

MovieS

AntIcIpAtIng AnImAtIOn

K. MicheLLe


ET&T Is PublIshEd by AbsTrAcT MEdIA GrouP, PrEMIuM coMMErcIAl coMPlEx, sAn JuAn, TrInIdAd, W.I. • TEl: (868) 638 1156/9 • FAx: (868) 638 1160. PrInTEd by ThE oFFIcE AuThorITy - PrInTInG dIVIsIon And dIsTrIbuTEd by AMG

et&t vol. 8 february issue 2 2014

Documents

big event

concert format

concert craziness

bigger concert

mega event

final week of carnival

biggest event

concerttype events